Nraug Ntsuag & Ntxawm

Here is another Hmong folktale called Nraug Ntsuag and Ntxawm. There are many versions of stories about an orphan boy named Nraug Ntsuag and Ntxawm, the beautiful daughter of a wealthy village headman. This particular version tells the story of how Nraug Ntsuag loses his wife, only to use his cleverness and determination to win her back.

Nraug Ntsuag and Ntxawm have not been married for very long when the hemp harvest season arrives. Nraug Ntsuag sends Ntxawm to her parents' village to help them process hemp into thread and cloth.

Halfway through their journey, Ntxawm suddenly tells Nraug Ntsuag that she can see her parents' village in the distance. She says that she can even hear the familiar sounds of rice pounders clicking and clanking.

She tells Nraug Ntsuag that her parents must be nearby and that she can walk the remaining distance by herself. She tells him to turn around and return home.

Nraug Ntsuag, trusting his wife, does as she asks. He plays his qeej, a traditional Hmong bamboo reed instrument, as he makes his way home.

But when Ntxawm approaches the settlement she believes to be her parents' village, she discovers something horrifying.

She is surrounded by tigers.

Xyooj Mim & Xyooj Kaub

This Hmong folktale is called Xyooj Mim & Xyooj Kaub. It is very similar to the story Ntsuag thiab Niam Nkauj Zuag Paj, though the two stories differ in the details of their openings.

Xyooj Mim and Xyooj Kaub are orphaned siblings who have no parents or family left to care for them. One day, Xyooj Mim happens upon a dragon prince. The prince offers to marry her, but in return, he promises to provide for her younger brother. He gives Xyooj Kaub a magical grain of rice and a piece of meat that can replenish themselves, allowing the boy to have food for the rest of his life.

Sharing Hmong Music

In this post, instead of just sharing music from one artist, I have decided to share music from a couple of different artists. When I get a chance, I will post up the English translation for each song.

This first song is called Hlub Tam Toj Roob Hau Pes by Paj Xia Yaj and Nuj Sua Lis, Hmong Shee Yee's new pra-ek.